Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, on Sunday flagged off the rehabilitation of the N1.3 billion Ubakala Water Scheme and the Ariaria Water Scheme projects in Aba as part of activities marking his third anniversary in office.
The flag-off ceremony took place at Ubakala in Umuahia South Local Government Area, where the governor expressed appreciation for development partners supporting the state’s water infrastructure drive.
Otti thanked Mercy Corps for its role in supporting the projects, describing the funding as significant and crucial to improving access to potable water in the state.
He explained that the Ubakala and Ariaria water schemes would be delivered and commissioned together, noting that both projects are being treated as a unified intervention.
According to the governor, access to safe water remains a priority for his administration due to its direct impact on public health and quality of life.
He added that unsafe water sources have contributed to preventable deaths, making water infrastructure a key focus of his government’s development agenda.
Otti also disclosed that the Aba regional water project has reached about 95 per cent completion.
The state Commissioner for Power and Public Utilities, Ikechukwu Monday, said the water projects align with the Abia Integrated WASH Accelerated Programme initiated by the administration.
He noted that the projects had experienced delays, including security challenges that previously disrupted planned financing activities.
According to him, the initiative was initially supported through international development funding involving USAID-linked arrangements implemented by Mercy Corps, before new private financing was secured.
Mercy Corps representatives said the organisation operates in more than 40 countries and focuses on improving livelihoods and ensuring sustainable infrastructure development.
They explained that the current intervention includes rehabilitation of boreholes, testing and repair of water pumps, and upgrading of existing water systems.
The water schemes form part of broader efforts by the Abia State government to expand access to clean and reliable water across urban and rural communities.
Since assuming office in 2023, Governor Otti’s administration has prioritised infrastructure renewal, particularly in the areas of roads, power supply, and public utilities.
Officials say the water projects are expected to significantly improve public health outcomes and support economic activity in Aba and surrounding communities once completed.
